Samsung intros HMX-H300, SMX-F50, HMX-P300 and HMX-P100 camcorders

To say that Samsung had an unforgettable day here at CES would be understating things dramatically. The company has introduced dozens upon dozens of new products, and now it's dishing out a few more before letting everyone else grapple for a share of the limelight. On deck? A handful of new camcorders. The SMX-F50 ($199) / F53 ($249) / F54 ($299) is the latest in the outfit's family of SD camcorders, offering a 65x intelligent zoom, 720x x 480 (60i) recording capabilities and your choice of black, silver, red and blue hues.

The HMX-H300 ($399) is being hailed as the "ultimate HD family camcorder," offering a three-inch touchpanel, 30x optical zoom, a battery that lasts up to three hours, optical image stabilization and the ability to capture clips at 1920 x 1080 (60i) / 1280 x 720 (60p). Lastly, the HMX-P300 ($199) and HMX-P100($149) both record to microSD / microSDHC, with the primary difference being the sensor -- the P300 gets an eight megapixel CMOS sensor and a 3x optical zoom, while the P100 goes with a five megapixel CMOS sensor and a 1x zoom. More details on the whole lot await you after the break.

Samsung's CES 2011 camcorder lineup

Shooting & Sharing Videos Made Easy with the Pocket-sized
Samsung Full HD HMX-P300 and HMX-P100

Capture and share Full HD quality videos wherever you go with the latest Samsung
point-and-share camcorder

CES, Las Vegas – January 5, 2011 -Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the launch of the two latest point-and-share camcorders in its 2011 portfolio. The Full HD HMX-P300 and HMX-P100 have been designed for those who love sharing videos with friends and family, and enjoy capturing film spontaneously and uploading just as quickly. Stylish, pocket-sized and affordable, the HMX-P300 and HMX-P100 have been created to be carried anywhere, and make uploading and sharing special moments both easy and fun.

The HMX-P300 and HMX-P100 follow the Samsung HMX-E10 model, bringing with them the latest developments in Samsung imaging technology, ultimately comprising some of the best value point-and-share camcorders on the market. Key developments including a 5M BSI (Back Side Illuminated) CMOS sensor, which dramatically improves low-light recording and HD movie recording, are available in the P100. The HMX-P300 and HMX-P100 are also the ultimate point-and-share camcorders for those who want to upload their videos quickly and easily. Through the new One Touch Sharing feature, users can select which website they want to upload files to directly from the LCD screen. Both point-and-share camcorders come with advanced Intelli-Studio 2.0 software pre-installed so it's easy to connect to a PC and start sharing straight away.

The HMX-P300 is also specially adapted to make video capture easy from any angle, by including a 3x Optical Zoom and Pivot Recording Mode, enabling you to capture greater detail at any occasion, such as concerts or sporting events, in horizontal or vertical frames. The 3x Optical Zoom allows you to record in clear and brilliant detail while on-the-go, without sacrificing video quality. The 3" 230K pixel Touch LCD screen can also rotate to give multiple shooting angles that allow the user a full, clear view of their subject without sacrificing the shot through portrait or landscape orientation. To make sure that you don't miss any of the action, the Samsung HMX-P100 is also built with an LCD screen that has an 80-degree viewing angle, so no matter how you're holding your point-and-share camcorder, you'll enjoy a clear view every time. Both point-and-share camcorders can also function as cameras, with 8M Pixel (HMX-P300) and 5M Pixel (HMX-P100) still image capture.

"The HMX-P300 and HMX-P100 are the perfect point-and-share camcorders for customers who get as much enjoyment in sharing their videos as they do from capturing them," said Mr. Hyunho Chung, Executive Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics. "Sharing our videos with friends and family through social networking sites and blogs is one of the great pleasures in capturing live footage, and we've used the latest Samsung technology to make this easier than ever. These point-and-share camcorders are ideal for anyone who has a busy lifestyle, but still enjoys capturing and sharing eye-catching moments on-the-go. They're small and stylish enough for you to want to take everywhere."

New experiences in quality and usability
The HMX-P100 and P300 are built to make sharing movies easier than ever through the One Touch Sharing feature. Once the point-and-share camcorder is connected to a PC via the built-in USB arm, videos will upload automatically, saving time with file transfers and making sure you never forget to share special memories with friends and family. In addition, the HMX-P300 and HMX-P100 can also capture great still photographs, eliminating the need to carry around a separate camera.

Both the HMX-P100 and HMX-P300 are built with mobility in mind. Using Micro SD technology, the camcorders are much smaller and more compact than conventional point-and-share camcorders. The slim bodies of the point-and-share camcorders can easily fit into a jacket pocket or handbag, while the built-in USB arms and USB charging features enable users to charge batteries and share images simultaneously without needing an additional cable.

The point-and-share camcorders include features to create the best possible image quality out of every situation. The innovative 5M BSI (Back Side Illuminated) CMOS sensor featured on the HMX-P100 records with twice the sensitivity of regular CMOS sensors to reduce image noise and distortion and dramatically enhance recording quality in low-light situations. The AF lens of the HMX-P100 also makes it easy to capture bright and clear movies anytime and anywhere.

In addition, the HMX-P300 and HMX-P100 include a number of smart features that make recording simple. The Auto Focus and Smart Auto functions on both models automatically adjust focus and shooting modes according to factors such as color, subject and brightness. Both point-and-share camcorders also feature new Smart Pause technology, allowing users to take a brief pause in filming before re-starting recording within the same file. This feature makes is much easier to edit and share footage, and ensure that users have the best video capturing experience.

Show full PR text

Samsung Introduces the SMX-F50/F53/F54, the Latest in Family SD Memory with Intelligent 65x Zoom Lens Capability for Perfect Recording

The very best in camcorder innovation creates special family moments and brings memories to life with SD Memory Card Slot, Smart Background Music, extended recording, new Record Pause and advanced zoom

CES, Las Vegas – January 5, 2011 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, announced today the launch of its SMX-F50 series, the camcorder designed to capture and enjoy special family moments within a compact, high performing, affordable and convenient design. The latest camcorder maintains Samsung's pioneering design and quality, with an impressive 65x zoom lens, while incorporating additional high-end features including SD Memory and the first Smart Background Music (BGM) in a family camcorder.

The SMX-F50 series delivers premium camcorder technology for families on a budget, to help you capture every family moment and occasion. The lightweight and compact design allows users to keep the camcorder with them at all times. The SMX-F50 series also boasts 65x zoom technology, with additional pixel capability, bringing you closer to the action and emotion of the moment, from any distance. With market-leading continuous recording time of 6 hours 20 minutes (with 16GB memory or card) and the capability of producing H.264 high quality formatted videos, the SMX-F50 series is capable of recording 1.5 times longer than conventional models. In addition to the SMX-F50's recording capability, the camcorder also includes a USB port for charging on the go or connecting to a PC. Users now have the freedom to shoot, share and recharge anywhere, so they never miss precious family moments. Also, with the SD Memory card and built-in flash memory (at 8GB for the F53 and 16GB F54), the F50 series can record longer, at a higher picture quality, than competitor models.

"We understand that buying a camcorder is a family investment. Research has shown us that people want guaranteed reliability and portability to record a range of special occasions, whether it's birthdays, Christmas Day or your child's first school play," said Mr. Hyunho Chung, Executive Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics. "For these reasons, we want to provide families with easy-to-use and innovative features at an affordable price, for effortless and high quality videos. Most importantly, the SMX-F50 series records vivid and valuable moments over an extended period of time, so customers can share precious moments with friends and family. At Samsung, we understand that ease of use for family capturing is a must-have feature. The SMX-F50 series incorporates an innovative pause button so you can capture your day's event on one file for easy editing and viewing. Through the Smart Auto feature, intelligent optical zoom and extended recording times, every family can enjoy the fun and emotional experience of capturing great videos through the years."

Smart BGM to make sure everyone's voice is heard
Recording background sound and music can often prove difficult with conventional camcorders, as the music can drown out people's voices when played back. The Samsung SMX-F50 series allows you to choose music to accompany your memories. When the music is edited into the video, the Smart BGM feature automatically lowers the music volume when speech is detected in the film, making sure everyone's voice is heard. Samsung is the first company to offer the Smart BGM feature, ensuring that whether it's your baby's first words or the big wedding speech, you never miss a moment.

Advanced Intelligent Zoom Lens
The SMX-F50's 65x intelligent zoom feature outshines the capabilities of competitor models on the market so you're never far from the action. Whether it's your child's first touchdown at the football game, or the lead role at the Christmas play, this is the camcorder to catch all the action in vivid colors.

New Record Pause at your fingertips
For moments when you need to take a break, the latest and newly introduced Record Pause technology allows users to briefly pause while recording and then resume filming from that exact moment. This means you don't have to merge files for editing when the recording is finished. Recording is completely hassle free when capturing a sporting event or interviewing several different people at a family wedding, and sharing an event can be as simple as uploading one file.

Family Moments brought to life through the Smart Feature set
With the SMX-F50, you have the best technology at your fingertips to achieve great video quality. The Smart Auto feature selects the correct shooting mode depending on the light conditions and the subject you're capturing, advanced Smart BGM ensures you never miss a word from those special family occasions, and Record Pause merges the files into one. These innovative features mean you no longer have to take on the role of film editor. Instead, you can capture all the special moments of your child's sports day in one continuous and seamless recording. The SMX-F50 series design has been streamlined with a more compact finish so that users can hold the camcorder effortlessly, enabling advanced portability and the ability to focus entirely on family subjects and occasions.

Show full PR text

Samsung Presents the HMX-H300 Series, the Ultimate HD Family Camcorder

The best in digital innovation allows you to relax and capture every moment in perfect focus while recording professional-standard movies

CES, Las Vegas – January 5, 2011 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the launch of the new HMX-H300 series, the camcorder designed to give families the very best in Samsung technology within an easy-to-use, durable product. Featuring long battery life, a 3" touch screen LCD, and 30x optical zoom, the HMX-H300 series combines high quality core technologies with easy-to-use features that make the HMX-H300 series fun to use, as well as the ideal camera to have on hand when capturing special family events.

The HMX-H300 series offers premium camcorder technology for any situation where there are memories to be captured. The HMX-H300 series is designed to automatically deliver stable video in crystal-clear HD, allowing the user to enjoy the moment without worrying about correcting settings or focusing. With its long recording time, a battery life of up to three hours, and built-in USB charging, the camcorder allows users to relax while filming, as they're guaranteed to capture every special occasion from start to finish. The HMX-H300 is a camcorder that provides the best family value through its best-in-class HD image quality and innovative feature offerings.

"We understand that for a family, buying a camcorder to capture family moments, like a first birthday or a graduation, is an important purchase that is carefully thought out," said Mr. Hyunho Chung, Executive Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics. "With the HMX-H300 series, we have put the best of our technology and innovation into one simple and affordable camcorder, to confirm that this is a product a family can rely on for brilliant videos at any occasion. The advantages of Samsung innovation can be seen in the HMX-H300's core technologies, but also the inclusion of advanced features like OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) Duo and Smart Auto functions, making video recording an enjoyable experience for everyone."

Smart Video Functions
The HMX-H300 series is designed to capture any occasion consistently, so that when you play back your memories, there are no distractions or difficulties - only the moment to relive a memorable time with the clarity and quality of seeing it for the first time. The HMX-H300 series includes features that make it even easier to achieve amazing quality in an instant. The Face Detection function makes sure that the faces of up to six people in the shot are kept in focus at all times so that clarity isn't sacrificed in busy scenes such as parties or concerts. The upgraded Smart Auto feature automatically selects the right shooting mode depending on outside factors, such as brightness, subject and color. The camcorder also features the new and innovative Record Pause function, allowing users to briefly pause in recording, before resuming recording in the same file, linking the files together to save time when editing or sharing.

Innovative Optical Technology
Another key feature is the 30x Optical Zoom, available on the HMX-H300 series lens, which records in greater definition than any of the competitors in its class, and creates incredible close-ups from long distances. This feature helps create memorable videos no matter how far you are from the action, whether it's filming the big game or a school stage production. Samsung's own research shows how important it is for families to be able to capture their once-in-a-lifetime occasions. Therefore, the HMX-H300 series is built with an efficient battery that delivers up to three hours of filming time, so users can shoot for longer without worrying about missing the big moment.

The HMX-H300 series is also built with a 5 Megapixel 1/4" (1/6.3", 1.75M Effective) BSI (Back Side Illuminated) CMOS sensor, which is twice as sensitive as a regular CMOS sensor. With the BSI CMOS sensor, noise and image distortion are reduced and video quality in low-light conditions, such as dimly-lit restaurants or nighttime scenes, is dramatically improved. Similarly, the HMX-H300 series also includes an advanced OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) Duo system to ensure steady and stable footage by compensating for minor hand and body movements, even when walking around.

The HMX-H300 series also has a 3" Touch LCD screen, which is up to 20% larger than standard displays, enabling the user to capture and share moments with ease, in natural color and clear detail. The intuitive touch user interface makes the camcorder fun and easy to use. The HMX-H300's design is streamlined and compact so that users can hold the camcorder easily. The HMX-H300 series also offers a still picture function so users can capture 4.9MP still images without the need for a second camera.